OldHouseLover

Sorry @ my response to Plumber ended up on same post.  Both plantation style homes were very important to the EE.  Hope more information can be obtained about their history.  OldHouseLover

On Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 2:07 PM, RobNPhx said:

Does anyone have any knowledge of what may have been an old Southern plantation, or a very old plantation-like home, that once occupied the area just south of the intersection of Polk and Wayside? I grew up just west of that area (Jefferson and Henninger) and seem to recall at least one old and dilapidated stucture, covered by dense foliage and surrounded by several really old trees, back in that general area. Back in those days (mid 60's) I would ride my bike all along the railroad tracks, from Jefferson up to Polk, then scoot over to that area around Wayside. It was maybe some time between '64 and '67 that I discovered the place.

I distinctly remember thinking that the place seemed kind of spooky and that I probably shouldn't be there, but my natural curiosity always got the best of me, so I kept going back until I either lost interest or forgot about it. One thing that really stood out about the place, aside from it's creepy feeling, was the row of shanty-style houses that occupied the lot. If memory serves me well, I think there was a manor home, as well. At least it looked to my young eyes like a smallish Southern plantation-style manor home. What I considered back then, and still do this day, was that the place had once been either a prominent manor house with multiple guest quarters, or it was a slave plantation, or both.

Now I admit that my memory may be somewhat clouded, or perhaps even totally off-track, but from time to time I have such vivid dreams of that place that I will wake up and think "Wow! Why do I keep thinking of that place after all these years?"

If anyone has any information, I would love to hear about it--one way or another. Thanks.\

 

I realize I'm rather late responding to this post.  If memory is correct, the old plantation style home was located that is now an elementary school on Wayside between Polk & Lawndale by Country Club Estates.  I have read the story of the old home, but forgotten.  This home was destroyed ca. late 1980s to make way for the school & I think some apartments.  Another platation style home is located across Wayside in back of the gold course & very near the original part of the cemetery.  I think it was sold ca. 2000? & is still standing.  I stopped to take picture of it one day & an elderly lady came out of the house & did give the impression she was pleased with my interest in the house:).  I'd love to know the story of that plantation style house.  Oh, yes!  It overlooked the bayou!  I'm wondering if a ship captain family may have built it?  Anyone with any knowledge, please share so we can learn more about these houses which are a rich part of the Harrisburg/EE history.  OldHouseLover

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 4:27 PM, samagon said:

I was too young to pay attention 27 years ago when my grandmother still lived on dismuke and truett, and didn't decide to move to this part of town until 8 years ago.

welcome to the forum.

After many years on the forum, I'm seeing the corner of Dismuke & Truett mentioned.  Hubby grew up in EE & we owned house on NW corner of Dismuke/Truett for @ 30 yrs.  The estate we bought "as is" with the trappings of a person who could not throw away much of anything.  We spent 6 weeks cleaning out the 2 story house & the city hauled away @ 6 trucks of trash.  We learned an imprtant lesson about dumpster divers:):).  For reasons unknown, that area [subdivision leagl name:  Sunnylan ..yes, no "D" in spelling] was difficult to sell for as much per sq ft as other areas.  But it offered quick access to Freeway, short cuts to Gul Gate Mall viaTelephone/Dismuke/Wayside without getting on Freeway.  Plus Henderson Elem. School was 2 blocks away.  Very good family community.   When we bought in mid 80s, 2 city  busses ran on Dismuke.  By 2005, had to walk to Lawndale to catch bus.  The petty crimes in the area seemed to get more attention than other areas of EE making it a tough sell for owner/renting.   Sunnylan offered a good low price per sq ft and condition in the EE & prime location.  It also offered good access to the Medical Center/U of H/Port of Houston/Hobby Airport/Before the beltwey, Wayside was used as connection from I-10 to SE Houston & Med Ctr [via McGregor/OST].  The East End/town of Harrisburg was vital to the growth of the City of Houston.  My Grandmother emigrated from Germany to Port of Galveston & she told the story many times of coming from Galveston to Harrisburg by oxen drawn wagon in axel deep mud ca. 1885.  The family settled in Washington Co., TX.  Nothing has been said of the mode of travel from Harrisburg to Burton, Washington Co., TX.  Harrisburg, TX.  was very instrumental in the growth/settlement of central Texas.  Hopefully, the future of EE can be recognized for it's contribution to the growth of not only Houston, but all SE Texas.

RE:  City inspectors........  In the middle 80s, we were "red tagge" & went thru the permit process.  When project completed, we left red tag in window & wrote our names/phone #s/etc. & called inspector for final inspection.   No response.  We just gave up.  My opinion=someone called in on us.  The permit money was paid & the important thing [$$].  Never had issue with permits again.  Now, the internet can handle the mundane tasks:).

Does anyone have any knowledge of what may have been an old Southern plantation, or a very old plantation-like home, that once occupied the area just south of the intersection of Polk and Wayside? I grew up just west of that area (Jefferson and Henninger) and seem to recall at least one old and dilapidated stucture, covered by dense foliage and surrounded by several really old trees, back in that general area. Back in those days (mid 60's) I would ride my bike all along the railroad tracks, from Jefferson up to Polk, then scoot over to that area around Wayside. It was maybe some time between '64 and '67 that I discovered the place.

I distinctly remember thinking that the place seemed kind of spooky and that I probably shouldn't be there, but my natural curiosity always got the best of me, so I kept going back until I either lost interest or forgot about it. One thing that really stood out about the place, aside from it's creepy feeling, was the row of shanty-style houses that occupied the lot. If memory serves me well, I think there was a manor home, as well. At least it looked to my young eyes like a smallish Southern plantation-style manor home. What I considered back then, and still do this day, was that the place had once been either a prominent manor house with multiple guest quarters, or it was a slave plantation, or both.

Now I admit that my memory may be somewhat clouded, or perhaps even totally off-track, but from time to time I have such vivid dreams of that place that I will wake up and think "Wow! Why do I keep thinking of that place after all these years?"

If anyone has any information, I would love to hear about it--one way or another. Thanks.

The mansion & a Church were located on what is now an elementary school property located just North of the intersection of Lawndale & Wayside...a few short blocks from the Fwy. & near Idylwood & Country Cub Place. Loving old houses, I always wanted to see inside. Don't know who owned/lived there. The Church was beautiful as well. If memory serves me correctly that Church merged with thel Church on corner of Dismuke & Gulf Fwy at Telephone Rd. This Church also was closed for a while recently, now I'm seeing work being done. A sign was being put up. Anyone know anything about it? I had kinda thought the Church on Dismuke/Fwy. would be bought & used as a private school for the area because of it's convenient location. Always loved the stone on the Church. Sad most of the old Churchs & old large homes are disappearing. There is still a plantation style home in the Forest Hills area by Forest Park Cemetery & overlooked the bayou. It had been for sale several yrs ago. Need to drive by & see if it's been updated or ?

There was a Chuck Wagon on W. 34th st. next door to Waltrip High School, about the 1300 block. I know that it was in operation from the mid 50's until around 1968, likely longer than that.

Wheel Burgers were $.35, Hub Brurgrs were $.25 and Spokes were $.25. They had the best tater tots ever made. When you called to place an order, they answered the phone Chuck Wagon #9. The location is now an abandoned auto repair.

The only better hamburger I ever had as a kid was at Linder Lake. Now that goes back a long, long time.

There is still an old building on Broadway that has the wagon top. I'll see if I can get a pic.

Best hamburgers/steakburgers ever is still in operation in the East End.......CHAMP BURGER on Sampson a block N. of Harrisburg. Always service with a smile, quick & price is right! Been in business @ 50 yrs by same family. I use every excuse imaginable to swing by for breakfast sandwich [bacon for mine]. Chuck Wagon on 34th was good also. Still remember the tall slim man who was there every time. Next door was the convenice store ?Brennens? which had a great meat dept. Another long time business is the Aztec Tool rental. Owner has made a fortune. Was small building & now has half the block & some down in next block near TC Jester. Always nice, knowledgeable people there......Walking memory lane.

Letter found in East End estate @ 20 yrs ago. Found it again last week. Written Sept 1956. I've posted the letter in Historic Houston under heading 1956 Gulfgate Shopping City & Weingartens Grocery. It's a folksy, interesting invitation to see the first shopping center in Houston. I think Northline followed a couple of yrs later. Anyone remember this opening?

Will be depressing for hubby & I to tour Harrisburg again & see Lenox dining close. Dating in late 50s/early 60s we'd have BBQ sandwich at Lenox & go bowling down the street. We remember Mr & Mrs Schlumberger dine at a table near us one evening. Not really any "memories" left in the area. Dinner Bell still at Lawndale/Wayside & that's it. Still have rent house in the area & drive around occassionally. Did some driving couple of weeks age & our socks were knocked off when we saw remodeling of his ol' home place in Eastwood. New addition on back & what looks like a fish/koi pond covering back yard. New addition being built over pond. We're guessing it's a fish pond. Lotza concrete poured on very very small lot. We stil have most all the title searchs/policies on that property going back before that whole area developed...

Remember the opening of Gulfgate Shopping Center & the Weingarten Grocery new store? Here's a letter fromJoe Weingarden, Chairman of Weingarten's to area residents inviting families to eperience their "most beautiful, largest, new store". Walk down "memory lane". I'm still not very tech savvy, but thought someone might enjoy this bit of East End history.

GREEN PARROTT! Great food served in a beautiful large Macgregor/Riverside residence. Anyone remember it's exact location....somewhere in vacinity of what is now Hwy 288 & Macgregor. Timeframe: late 50s/early60s.

Both on S. Main & miss them!

I heard Eastwood Academy is a "very good" charter school. Seems residents in area are not wanting their children to attend Austin Hi. There is a KIPPS School on Lawndale near Dismuke. Seems it, too, is charter school. Not sure @ these schools, just "hearsay".

That reminded me of that strange army barrack looking bldg next door. Like what Gomer Pyle used to hang out in? The whole area was recently cleared after more than 35-40 years. Really that section of Dumble should have been wided years ago. Its just too tight for the heavy traffic flow. I often wondered what Eastwood Academy does? Seems so out of place in that area. Like a lamb in the middle of a wolf pack.

Wracking my brain but can't remember where Eastwood Baptist Church was. Was it on Dumble between Telephone and Polk? Help! I can't remember. Thanks in advance.

EE Susan, hubby says you are correct, it was N of Telephone on Dumble. We don't remember if it is still standing? Or? By the way, I have a house for sale in Sunnylan[d] subdivision. See classified's for 5603 Truett. Thanks

If the rail does go to Gulf Gate from Harrisburg, any guesses as to the connecting street between the two? Telephone? Wayside? 75th?

I wonder if anyone can recall if the big neon signs out front with Palm Center had little palm tree designs on them?

During Holiday season they used to hang the striped candy cane decorations and bells on the light posts too.

Wish there was a photo somewhere. I remember Oshman's had huge display windows all around the building.

I loved shopping @ Walter Pye's. Was that the only Walter Pye's in Houston area?

I'm curious @ 2 houses on the East side of the Hardy Toll Rd. Both face the feeder & are of unusual architecture. One is just North of Parker Rd & the Toll Rd intersection. If memory is correct, it is 3 stories? It is huge & has been under construction for 5+ yrs. It looks to be unoccupied. The other is farther North on the toll road feeder somewhere @ FM 525. It's 3 stories high & very narrow [shot-gun style]. After years under construction, it looks to be completed & occupied. Would be interesting to learn the history behind these houses.

I guess a persons memory can forget local's in 60 plus years. but that must be the one.

Could there be a pic in Haif somewhere?

Valian's Restraunt was behind the APC building [Adams Petroleum]. Great food too!

Drove the Acres Homes area last week & we were stunned by the AMAZING beautiful homes being built. It's about time the huge, shady lots are appreciated!

What areas or streets specifically? I am familiar with the parts around Carver Center (North Harris College), but not much more outside of Victory Drive?

Also, how does this area compare with Inwood Forest proper (golf course area). Seems there is a lot of discussion and flight from that area, but the houses seem really nice and lower priced compared to other areas of the city.

What does this mean when you're trying to post a picture on the board?

Sorry, dynamic pages in the tags are not allowed

I loaded a map on imagevenue then tried to download it here using the "Insert Image" button. I copied the url and when I hit "Add Reply" that's what I got.

What in the world is a "dynamic page"???

It will let me insert a link, but not an image:

AISD Map

It's a satellite image of the Aldine ISD. I photoshopped in the district boundaries and some other info.

KEY

Red Line - Current Aldine ISD boundary

Blue Line - Aldine High School area (the area covered in my history report)

White Line - Aldine Township

Green Line - Northline Terrace Subdivision (Sections 1-3)

AISD High Schools Past and Present

1 - Aldine High School (1956

Northline Terrace Primer

The Northline Terrace neighborhood sits on land that was at least partially owned by Tommy Okabayashi. Okabayashi established a farm in either 1932 or 1945 at 351 West Gulf Bank Road. (Still need to find exact date - haven't made it to the Harris County Tax Office yet!)

In 1962, a bridge over Halls Bayou was built, extending W Mount Houston Road from U.S. 75 (the North Freeway was under construction) to Airline Drive, taking over portions of the already existing Mosher Lane. In 1964, another bridge was built over Halls Bayou, joining segments of Hacker Road from West Road to Canino. The Road was renamed Sweetwater Lane.

Sometime in the early 1960s (probably 1962 or 1963), Okabayashi sold part of his land. In 1964, the Oak Glen Building Company started development of Northline Terrace Section 1 on 111 acres of land stretching basically from 1-45 east to Cheswick and from W Gulf Bank Road north to Halls Bayou. The 66-acre Section 2 and 9-acre Section 3 were developed in 1965. Section 2 stretches from Cheswick east to Rockcliff and from W Gulf Bank Road to Halls Bayou, save for the 9100 block of Rockcliff. Section 3 is the 9100 of Rockcliff.

Suburban Homes built most of the homes in Section 1 east of Sweetwater (formerly Hacker) and all of the homes in Section 2. Other companies built the homes west of Sweetwater and several of the homes in Section 3 on Rockcliff (which is why they are different from the others).

Sections 1-3 closed out in 1966 at a total of 186 acres.

Northline Terrace Section 4 started development in 1966 south of W Gulf Bank on 42 acres stretching from W Gulf Bank south to Arrowdale. The 26-acre Section 5 opened in 1968 and went from Arrowdale south to Canino.

Most of the homes in Northline Terrace range in size from roughly 900 square foot to about 1100 square foot. All homes were originally single story homes of ranch style construction. Several have been expanded over the years to up to 1400 square feet and many have added multi-story additions. Homes in Sections 1-3 had open ditches in their front yards and asphalt streets. Over the years, many have had these filled in. Homes in Sections 4-5 have covered drainage and concrete, curbed streets.

All students in Sections 1-3 and those in Section 4 north of W Hartwick attend Aldine ISD schools and Aldine Senior High. Those living south of W Hartwick attend Houston ISD schools and are zoned for Sam Houston High.

While once almost exclusively white lower middle class, the area is now overwhelmingly Hispanic. Many of the original businesses and churches in the area have closed and have become something else, generally supporting a Spanish-speaking clientele.

Only the portion west of Sweetwater is in the city of Houston limits, having been annexed in 1978. The remaining portion is in unincorporated Harris County and falls under the recently formed Airline Improvement District. The neighborhood therfore is not served by city of Houston water, sewer or garbage collection and must rely on private companies for these. Water and sewer is provided by the Sunbelt Freshwater Supply District.

The Airline Improvement District, formed in 2005, supposedly aims to improve basic services such as water, serwer and public safety as these areas have proved a challenge as the neighborhood and surrounding community's demographics have changed.

Another challenge has been increased flooding along Halls Bayou, despite several drainage "improvements" in the area. In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison innundated Northline Terrace, causing many homes along Halls Bayou to flood from Beaver Bend to Rainy River. Even today, each time it rains, the intersections of I-45 at W Gulf Bank and W Mount Houston flood with increased regularity, even ending up in recent national news stories as photos of people wading through these flooded street appeared on CNN.com.

Please feel free to expand this should you have additional information.

I lived in 1300 blk of Hartwick during the 50s [1 blk E of what is now Hardy Toll Rd feeder ...old Hardy]. Between Hardy & Aldine Westfield Rds, the district borders changed at @ the 1500 blk of Hartwick [where the road makes a curve. HISD & Aldine busses picked up on Hartwick in the area between Aldine Westfield & Hardy. I was so lucky...bus service at my front door!! I went to HISD [the NEW Sam Houston High & loved it]. West of RR Tracks/Hardy, I seem to remember the districts borders was Canino Rd. ?

The "home place" was sold in the mid 80s, but there was never flooding. It was rural setting with lots @ acre in size.

I never saw the original Palm Center (at least that I was old enough to remember ) but I have been intrigued by the pic in the 1972 architecture guide. Two story open air retail. looks similar to a 50's-60's motel - sort of.

Can anyone describe this part of Palm Center and what stores were in there?

Walter Pye's also was in Palm Center. Loved shopping there.

McMansions are popping up in many unlikely areas. 16/1700 blk of Wellington first blk E of Hardy toll road has a "biggie" on N side of street. I wouldn't consider it a McMansion, but it is quite overbuild for the area. Futher down street is lot covered with bricks, maybe he's a brick layer? I would never win the "yard of the month", but most of those over build for the area do not seem to do

ANY landscaping & soon the place just blends in with the neighborhood. Between 59N & Hardy Toll Rd there are many large new homes being built. Building in these areas with no or little restrictions allows the owners to be able to have parking for vehickles/equipment/etc. with no complaints from neighbors [as many neighbors probably work for the owner of the large new homes]. Much of the new construction is probably neighborhood development projects with lots being acquired from governments for little cost for the lots. Lots are tax foreclosures/etc. There are huge lots in the area, many @ 200' deep with very beautiful mature trees.